Green Growth As A Key Driver Of Competitive Advantage Discussed At SIF-WIC 2025

The 8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) commenced with a panel titled "Green is the New Gold: Competitive Advantage through Sustainable Investment." This session, moderated by Jacopo Dettoni from the Financial Times, gathered experts to discuss how sustainability is reshaping economic competitiveness. The conversation highlighted how green growth can lead to both profit and resilience.

Dettoni initiated the discussion by questioning if "green growth" could offer a competitive edge beyond mere compliance. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Raekwon Chung emphasised consumer engagement in climate efforts. He stated, "After three decades of climate negotiations, my conclusion is clear: the missing piece is the consumer. We are responsible for emissions, not governments."

Professor Lisa Sachs from the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) pointed out financing sustainable infrastructure as a major challenge in developing regions. She expressed concern about creating systems that provide affordable and reliable energy access, which she sees as crucial for competitive clean industries.

Sachs highlighted Africa's potential, noting its vast solar resources and limited clean energy access. Despite having 60% of global solar potential, Africa receives only 2% of global clean-energy funding. She urged multilateral partners to use financial tools to mitigate project risks, calling it an economic and moral necessity.

Roslyn Ng’eno from the AfCFTA Secretariat discussed Africa's commitment to sustainability through its legal framework. The African Continental Free Trade Area has adopted a binding Protocol on Investment that aligns incentives with climate policies and green industrial zones. Ng’eno stated, "Sustainability is no longer optional for Africa. It is a definitive strategy for competitiveness."

She also mentioned the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative aimed at preparing viable sustainable projects. According to Ng’eno, African leaders are now focused on implementing these strategies.

Labour and Economic Growth

Rie Vejs Kjeldgaard from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) addressed how greening economies can create better jobs. She cited examples like a battery-production facility in Oman creating over 2,000 jobs, including roles for women, and a biofuel project in Brazil generating 90,000 jobs for small farmers and youth.

Kjeldgaard stressed that green growth can coincide with decent work opportunities, highlighting the ILO’s Just Transition framework that connects climate action with social equity.

Risk Mitigation in Emerging Markets

Hani Idris from the Islamic Development Bank Group (IDB) emphasised risk mitigation as key to attracting sustainable investment in emerging markets. He identified credit and currency risks as significant barriers and advocated for guarantees and political-risk insurance to secure long-term finance.

Idris also called for stronger regulatory frameworks and innovative financial instruments to ensure green investments are scalable and viable.

The panel concluded that sustainability is now central to business advantage rather than just an ethical consideration. From organic cashmere in Mongolia to renewable energy corridors in Africa, evidence shows that green investment yields both ethical and economic benefits.

The Sharjah FDI Office organised this event alongside WAIPA and the UAE Ministry of Investment at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. The 2025 edition coincides with the World Investment Conference (WIC), featuring over 130 international speakers across 160 sessions, drawing more than 10,000 participants globally.

With inputs from WAM